The Ultimate Guide to Changing Trailer Wheel Bearings**: Everything You Need to Know

Why Changing Trailer Wheel Bearings Matters

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), wheel bearing failure is a leading cause of trailer accidents. Changing trailer wheel bearings regularly is essential for ensuring the safety and longevity of your trailer.

Key Benefits of Changing Trailer Wheel Bearings

Increased safety: Properly lubricated and adjusted wheel bearings minimize friction and reduce the risk of overheating, which can lead to catastrophic failure.

Improved fuel efficiency: Reduced friction allows wheels to rotate more freely, resulting in improved fuel economy.

Extended trailer lifespan: Regular changing trailer wheel bearings helps prevent premature wear and damage to other trailer components.

How to Change Trailer Wheel Bearings: A Step-by-Step Guide

Safety Considerations:

• 1. Gather your tools and materials: You'll need a floor jack, lug wrench, wheel chocks, penetrating oil, new wheel bearings, and grease.
• 2. Prepare your trailer: Park your trailer on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the wheels.
• 3. Remove the wheel: Use the lug wrench to loosen and remove the wheel.

Step 1: Inspect the Wheel Bearing

• Check the wheel bearing for any signs of wear or damage.
• If the bearing is worn or damaged, it must be replaced.

Step 2: Remove the Old Bearing

• Use a puller to remove the old wheel bearing.
• Be careful not to damage the axle or spindle.

Step 3: Install the New Bearing

• Apply a thin layer of grease to the new bearing.
• Install the new bearing onto the axle or spindle.
• Use a hammer to tap the bearing into place.

Step 4: Grease the Bearing

• Apply a generous amount of grease to the bearing.
• Use your fingers or a grease gun to evenly distribute the grease.

Step 5: Reinstall the Wheel

• Place the wheel back onto the trailer.
• Tighten the lug nuts using a torque wrench.
• Torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications.

Step 6: Test the Wheel Bearing

• Rotate the wheel by hand to ensure it spins freely.
• If the wheel does not spin freely, the bearing may be too tight or damaged.
• Adjust the bearing as necessary.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overtightening the lug nuts: Overtightening can damage the lug nuts, wheel, and axle.
• Undertightening the lug nuts: Undertightening can cause the wheel to come loose while driving.
• Using the wrong type of grease: Using the wrong type of grease can damage the bearing.

Conclusion

Changing trailer wheel bearings is a relatively simple task that can be completed by most do-it-yourselfers. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure that your trailer is safe and reliable for years to come.